Audi’s Q5 midsized SUV is back for a third outing, this time sitting on a new vehicle architecture and powered exclusively by mild-hybrid (MHEV) drivetrains from the off - with a high-performance derivative, the SQ5, confirmed at launch, and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) on the way.
What is the new vehicle architecture?
It’s the Premium Platform Combustion, or PPC, which has only so far been seen underpinning the latest Audi A5 family - the artist previously known as the A4. However, the Q5 fits Audi’s new ‘odd numbers for combustion, even numbers for electric’ range-naming format, so it didn’t need to change from its old badge this time around.
This means that there won’t be an all-electric version of this third-gen Q5 because those duties are handled by the Audi Q4 e-tron and the new Q6 e-tron. The most electrified version of the Q5, therefore, will be those incoming PHEVs, but from the outset only petrol and diesel drivetrains will be offered. Audi has confirmed that this will be the last generation of Q5 that will be powered by internal combustion.
OK, so what will my powertrain choices be?
Audi calls its 48-volt fuel-saving set-up ‘MHEV Plus’, comprising an 18kW (24hp) generator that can put its power and another 230Nm of torque into the mix if required. This is supplied with electricity by a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery, while the entire system incorporates an electrically driven air-conditioning compressor so that the SUV won’t suddenly blow warm air out of its vents at occupants when it’s stuck in heavy traffic and the engine is off.
With all confirmed models using a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox, either driving the front wheels as standard or with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive either an option or standard-fit on the diesel and performance models, your Q5 choices are the 204hp/340Nm TFSI petrol, the 204hp/400Nm TDI turbodiesel, or the 367hp/550Nm TFSI SQ5. Both of the 204hp units are 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines, while the SQ5 uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 instead.
Do you have any details on the PHEVs as yet?
Just a few numbers and factettes if you will. They’ll be badged ‘TFSI e’ as before and will be available in either 299- or 367hp formats - the latter matching the SQ5 - but perhaps of more pertinence will be that the battery pack will be large enough to let these Q5 TFSI e models officially do more than 80km on electric power to a single charge.
A decent specification. And what about the chassis?
Steel springs are standard with passive frequency selective damping (FSDs), although full adaptive damper control will be available on Q5s fitted with the optional air suspension. There’s also a sports suspension set-up as an option, which is standard on the SQ5. All models come with Audi’s enhanced progressive steering (i.e. variable-ratio power steering) from the off, too.
Can we just talk about looks and the interior?
Sure thing. On the outside, the latest Q5 is neither as smooth and bubble-like as the Mk1, nor angular like the Mk2 - it’s kind of halfway between them both, its look most clearly informed by the Q4 and Q6 e-tron models more than anything.
It has the fancy LED head- and taillights that we’ve already seen on the recently announced A5 and the A6 e-tron, which means there are eight different selectable signatures that the driver can choose from on the Audi’s MMI infotainment system, including the one which makes the rear lamp clusters look like they are shimmering. There are 11 body colours and alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 21 inches in diameter, although only the 17s, 18s and 19s can be aerodynamically optimised to reduce fuel consumption.
Inside, again like the impending A5 and the A6 e-tron (and the already-on-sale Q6 e-tron), the Q5 has the interior arrangement that will be Audi’s calling card going forwards. This is focused on the ‘Digital Stage’, a huge construct dominating the upper level of the dash which incorporates a 14.5-inch touchscreen alongside an 11.9-inch instrument cluster. Additionally, the 10.9-inch MMI Passenger Display Screen can also be specified to further up the technology count, while there’s even the option of a head-up display which, for the first time in an Audi, can be controlled through the steering wheel buttons.
But the quality of the fixtures and fittings, and the wraparound design of the fascia, all go to upping the ambience of the Audi Q5’s passenger compartment, which employs fabric panels to ensure a more homely feel inside. Classy ambient and contour lighting also keeps the Audi feeling suitably upmarket, even at night. And practicality is not forgotten, as the rear seat is fully adjustable and can be slid/folded forward to liberate up to 1,473 litres of boot space as required.
Other toys include a Bang & Olufsen 685-watt Premium Sound System that has 16 loudspeakers and a noise-cancelling function to keep the Audi’s cabin.
Irish pricing for the 2025 Audi Q5
Audi Ireland has confirmed that the new Q5 can be ordered immediately, with first deliveries in the first quarter of 2025. For now, pricing details are limited to €71,115 for the Q5 2.0 TFSI (204hp), €75,600 for the Q5 2.0 TDI quattro (204hp) and €111,850 for the new Audi SQ5.
Commenting on the arrival of the new Audi Q5 range, Audi Ireland Brand Director Damien O’Sullivan said: “The Audi Q5 is the perfect model in the mid-size SUV market, it gives the power, space and innovation drivers want. This model has always been a successful for us and will continue to do so in it's next generation. This launch marks another important milestone for the rejuvenation of the Audi portfolio. I look forward to seeing the Audi Q5 on Irish roads early next year.“